NATIONAL BRIEFING / COLORADO : Dad pleads guilty in balloon hoax

A man who last month claimed his 6-year-old son had floated away in a helium balloon pleaded guilty to avoid the possible deportation of his wife, a Japanese citizen.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty to one felony charge of attempting to influence a public official. Mayumi Heene is expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false report. Richard Heene's attorney said that the Heenes would be sentenced to probation, although it's possible that Richard Heene may serve 90 days in jail and his wife 60 days.